Kia
Telluride
Owner report available
Mazda
CX-90
Owner report available
Kia Telluride vs Mazda CX-90
The short answer
The Kia Telluride offers fuel economy, while the Mazda CX-90 excels at power instead. Choose the Kia Telluride if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mazda CX-90 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Telluride
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The Telluride is widely praised for its spacious and functional third row, high-quality interior materials, boxy and attractive exterior styling, strong value proposition, and comprehensive standard features. The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine is frequently cited as a mature, reliable, and simple powertrain, especially when compared to newer turbocharged or hybrid alternatives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Discussions mention various trims (SX, EX, Calligraphy) without a clear, repeated preference for one over another.
Known issues
- Engine oil consumption: reports of excessive oil consumption requiring top-ups between changes and, in isolated cases, engine replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
- Underpowered 3.8L V6 engine: described as lethargic, slow, lacking responsiveness, and struggling with acceleration compared to turbocharged rivals. Frequency: very frequent.
- Dealer/service department problems: poor customer service, difficulty getting warranty repairs approved, lack of respect for customers, and general service quality concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
CX-90
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between driving experience and reliability concerns. The vehicle is very frequently praised for its exceptional driving dynamics, handling, and powertrain performance, often described as feeling more luxurious and sporty than mainstream competitors. The inline-6 turbo engine is noted for its power and smoothness, and the overall refinement and interior quality are recurrent positives.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. The Turbo S powertrain is mentioned for its performance.
Known issues
- New platform reliability concerns: multiple software recalls, unproven long-term durability of the new inline-6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and hybrid systems. Frequency: very frequent.
- Third-row space limitations: cramped and less usable compared to key competitors like the Telluride, Palisade, and Highlander. Frequency: recurrent.
- Interior packaging and storage: poorly laid out interior with limited useful storage compartments and cupholders compared to the previous CX-9 and competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-90 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Kia Telluride, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mazda CX-90 are a dealbreaker, the Kia Telluride is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Kia Telluride or the Mazda CX-90?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mazda CX-90 than the Kia Telluride. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Kia Telluride or the Mazda CX-90?
The Kia Telluride seats more passengers than the Mazda CX-90 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Kia Telluride is classed as a SUV, the Mazda CX-90 as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Kia Telluride or the Mazda CX-90?
The EPA rates the 2027 Kia Telluride at 19–35 mpg combined and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 at 25–26 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Telluride or the Mazda CX-90?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.